Portable Precision: Scale Drawing On iOS

Arrette Scale have released an update ($8.99) for their iOS app which addresses the level of precision and dexterity in the use of the Edge Tools, which have new controls and behavior. The app itself has proved popular among architects, aiming to provide designers with a simple, familiar drawing environment usable by anyone comfortable with traditional drawing tools. Allowing users to digitally review work by sharing ideas and drawings, Arrette’s platform welcomes incremental design changes and collaboration on iPad without the need for printing reams of paper.

"The Line and Circle Edges both have improved control so that you can draw with precise offsets or radii. With the Line Edge, dragging by the triangle handle now causes the Edge to move a distance increment that varies with zoom level. For instance, at some zoom levels the Edge moves in increments of 1 foot. However, if you want to move the Edge with no constraints, just put another finger anywhere on the screen while you drag for free movement. For the Circle Edge, a similar rule applies. In this case, dragging a triangle handle causes the Edge to snap to precise radii, also based on zoom level. To change the radius with no constraints, put another finger on the screen while you drag."

"There are several enhancements that make it easier to rotate the Line Edge. For one, you can rotate the Edge ninety degrees instantly by tapping on one of the triangle handles. And when you tap one of the Line Edge arcs to enter rotation mode, there are four new buttons that appear. These allow you to instantly rotate the Edge to north-south or east-west, or to align the Edge either vertically or horizontally to the screen."